HYDERABAD: Like women, even men are increasingly becoming prone to osteoporosis of late, as changing lifestyle is keeping men indoors and inactive for long hours.
Earlier it was a rare to hear osteoporosis complaint among men. But of late men are also being affected with osteoporosis, points out Dr Chandra Bhushan, chief orthopaedic surgeon at Global Hospitals. Orthopaedic surgeons cite staying indoors and inactive lifestyle as the main reasons for increasing osteoporosis even in men.
Though osteoporosis may result from hormonal imbalance, cancer, among other causes, mainly it is caused due to reduced bone mineral density which in turn is caused due to vitamin D deficiency and sedentary lifestyle. Therefore having sufficient amount of vitamin D or being active will go a long way in preventing osteoporosis, Chandra Bhushan said.
A recent pan India study conducted by SRL Diagnostics showed that Indian men, especially in urban areas, have alarmingly low levels of vitamin D.
Across the country about 73 lakh males were screened for vitamin D deficiency. Among them a shocking 80 percent of them had less than normal levels. Men above the age group of 45 years are at greater risks of low levels of Vitamin D, stated Dr Leena Chatterjee, director of SRL Diagnostics Labs.While the professions of the present generations and lifestyle are keeping them indoors, addictions like alcohol, caffeine are aggravating the problem.
Once vitamin D deficiency and bone density are found then the person has to be on medication. In initial stages medicines will suffice. But if it advances and leads to falls, fractures, then surgeries are needed.
Therefore it is better to prevent deficiency in bone mineral density by incorporating changes in the lifestyle before it takes a toll on one’s health, advised Dr KJ Reddy, chief orthopaedic surgeon at Apollo Hospitals.
There are no clear symptoms in early stages of deteriorating bone health but once the bones are weakened, symptoms such as back pain, muscle pain, stooped posture and even bone fractures are manifested.
Therefore if any of these problems are found, it is better to have a test done to check bone density, which can be done through simple tests.